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Resolution: The Eyes Have It
Seeing is believing, especially when it comes to eye care. And if you are one of almost half of all Americans making 2012 New Year’s resolutions to eat healthier or stop smoking, then you’ve already taken steps to make sure you continue to see things clearly.
Sure, not many people probably make better eye care their New Year’s resolution, but you shouldn’t take your eyes for granted— especially as you get older. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a baseline eye exam starting at age 40, since vision problems often start in middle age. These exams can catch glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye problems early, which allows for more effective treatment.
Other sight-saving actions you can take:
Keep a healthy weight. Slacking on exercise and overindulging at meals regularly can add pounds, which can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. One possible health problem caused by diabetes is eye disease.
Eat more vegetables. Leafy greens, like spinach or kale (not iceberg lettuce!), have been shown to lower the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in people over 50.
If you wear contact lenses, don’t skimp on cleanliness. Wash your hands before putting in your lenses. Disinfect the lenses per your doctor’s instructions.
Wear sunglasses. When the sun makes you squint, your body is telling you that your eyes need protection. Too much exposure to those harmful UV rays can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration and more. Be sure to go for protection over style — look for labels that say 100 percent UV absorption or UV absorption up to 400 nm.
Your overall health can have an impact on your vision, and a little extra attention to eye health now could save your sight in years to come.